GMB: Council job cuts rise to 30,000

The GMB union fears up to 2,000 job cuts at Sheffield City Council as job losses at 21 councils nears 30,000.

The union said these job losses are on top of almost 58,000 workers facing section 188 “lock outs” to impose cuts in terms and conditions of employment.

GMB members at Sheffield City Council fear that up to 2,000 jobs will be lost over the next four years as the council seeks job cuts in response to the almost 30 per cent cuts in grants from the Government. In September the council served a section 188 notice to the council’s 8,400 staff that it would impose new terms and conditions and “lock out” and sack those not prepared to accept the inferior terms and conditions of employment.

GMB is aware that a total of 29,815 jobs are to go in 21 councils. 57,600 staff in 6 authorities face section 188 "lock outs" and the sack if they do not accept inferior terms and conditions of employment. Staff at two councils also face proposed pay cuts to reduce job cuts.

GMB has no official information yet on cuts for the majority of councils. On 2December the Government grants to councils will be confirmed. Some councils are not issuing the Section 188 statutory advance notice of redundancy and HR1 forms till then.

Paul Kenny, GMB General Secretary, said “The avalanche has begun. Tens of thousands of people are already affected by job cuts, pay cuts and the dismantling of services.

“The New Year promises unemployment, misery and a further dismantling of services.”